Indian man leads sparrow conservation efforts to protect cherished feathered friends
by Ekta ChaubeySubrat Kumar Nath, an engineer from Budharaja in Sambalpur, Odisha, eastern India, is championing the cause of sparrow conservation, showing remarkable compassion for this endangered species. His efforts aim to create a thriving environment for these vanishing birds and contribute to their welfare.
Mentioning about sparrows, he shared that they typically appear during the summer months, staying until the start of the rainy season. This seasonal presence is why the videos capturing his efforts were filmed in summer.
Indian man leads sparrow conservation efforts to protect cherished feathered friends#Odisha #Sparrow #Sambalpur
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Visuals show Nath carefully installing an earthen pot on his balcony to provide shelter for sparrows. In another set, sparrows can be seen chirping and resting in the pot under the warm daylight, creating a heartwarming scene. The birds are also shown eating grains placed on the balcony railing, fostering a lively and welcoming atmosphere for these “feathered friends.”
Speaking to Newslions, Nath explained that sparrows are an endangered species, and this alarming reality motivated him to take up their conservation. He began by creating a conducive environment for sparrows to thrive. For example, he noted that house sparrows typically seek small spaces for nesting, so he installed an earthen pot to serve as a safe shelter. He also hung another pot filled with grains to attract them. Nath shared, “Sometimes the sparrows stay in the pot after eating, while at other times, they fly away. Either way, the grains and shelter help create a haven for them.”
His already flourishing “mini forest” at home proved an additional draw for the birds. Initially, he saw very few sparrows—just a handful for about a month or so. However, over time, the numbers grew significantly, with more than 200 sparrows visiting his home during the season to eat grains and find shelter. He proudly mentioned that the flock continues to grow with each passing season.
Nath also revealed that his conservation efforts have attracted eight to ten other bird species to his garden. His message to promote sparrow conservation is simple yet powerful: “One home, one nest.”
In addition to his work at home, Nath actively installs earthen pots in other people’s homes upon invitation. He also conducts sessions in schools and colleges, raising awareness about sparrow conservation and the importance of a sustainable environment for both humans and wildlife.
For his inspiring initiative, Nath was honored with the Biju Patnaik Wildlife Conservation Award by the Odisha government in October 2024.